Big Salmon Lake outlaw

A roll in the grass wasn't usually his style, given that his coat would stain and look unsightly, but Marius had enjoyed a night of exploration with one of the coy-mutts native to the area. What else were they good for? His father's court had employed a few for just such a use, and so when there came a chance for it here in the wilderness, Marius took to old habits.

In the morning things were different. The sky was taking its sweet time to brighten, for one thing. The mutt had enjoyed herself and scurried off while Marius had slept; so he woke cold and alone.

As he found his way from their secret rendezvous, he spied a shape near the edge of the woods, sharp and tall, and seemingly familiar.

Ah! So you did not get far after all. Come now back to b—oh. This was not the mutt woman, but some boy, lean of figure and swarthy like a pile of rotting autumn leaves!

Aha, ha. You are not who I expected.